Hot Chili Peppers Help Uncover the Secrets of Pain

Abstract

Our life experience is shaped by our senses. We see, hear, smell, touch, and taste the things around us, and this is how we get to know the world. In my research, I study receptors—small sensing structures present on cell membranes that react to stimuli from the environment or from within the body. The receptors I tell you about in this article are sensitive to pain and heat, and they respond both to high temperatures and to spicy substances, such as hot chili peppers. We believe that, by studying the structures of these receptors and gaining a better understanding of how they operate, we will be able to develop new drugs to treat long-lasting pain more effectively and safely. Read this article to learn how the chili pepper has opened the door for us to uncover some great mysteries of the sensation of pain, paving the way toward future pain treatments.